Annex 9: Ministerial Letter of Support to the Project

I announced in the Scottish Parliament on 20 May that the
Scottish Government intended to carry out an independent study into
the Pub sector to look at the various pub models that are operating
in Scotland and investigate whether parts of the sector face an
unfair disadvantage, compared to others, and provide
recommendations for future action.

For this study to be successful, it will require the expertise
of stakeholders who have knowledge of the sector to advise the
appointed contractor and the willingness of publicans to be
interviewed and reveal information which may be considered
commercially sensitive. Importantly, the study will provide an
evidence base which will assist Scottish Ministers in coming to a
view as to whether legislation is/is not required to regulate the
operation of Pub Companies (Pub Companies) in Scotland or other
parts of the Scottish pub sector. It should be understood that the
Scottish Government has not come to a view on this issue, and the
purpose of this study is to help us in our deliberations.

CGA
Strategy Ltd were the successful bidder to carry out this research
through a competitive tender process. Those participating and
providing advice to
CGA
Strategy Ltd should be assured that neither industry nor government
will be privy to commercially sensitive information given to the
researchers which would identify an individual or company. As a
consequence, those participating should feel sure that information
provided by them will be treated in a confidential manner by the
contractor and that anonymity will be ensured when presenting
findings.

Given the importance of this research, I would urge all those
who are approached by
CGA
Strategy Ltd to support their work on this project and that
companies and individuals use their networks to encourage greater
participation.